LCDO THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS was inspired by the 12th-century Persian poem The Conference of the Birds written by the Persian poet Din Attar, the new Insectotròpics project seeks to create an immersive experience, fusing various artistic and technological talents.

Commissioned by Watermans as part of the Artcast4D project, LCDO The Conference of the Birds, is the company’s sixth show and the performance took place at Bell Square on Saturday 24 May 2025, 9.30pm.

A playful, participatory and performative experience that will take audiences through the various valleys of our digital present. On this occasion, the company re-interprets the poem to create an immersive experience by merging Insectotropics’ technological theatre,

The project’s creative team included: Marga Socias’ expertise in immersive shows, Bru Ferri’s skills in sound and music and Jan Barcelo’s expertise creating technological gadgets.

The mystical epic The Conference of the Birds narrates the journey of 30,000 birds in search of Simurgh, a divinity, through seven valleys, representing human failure.

The project was part of the EU funded Artcast4D project which enables artists to explore the use of interactive technologies in their work and utilises AAASeed software to drive the interactive elements.

Artcast4D is a European consortium of research, technology, culture, and media partners working with artists, cultural organisations, creative businesses, museums, city, and local authorities to develop new, immersive experiences in public spaces. The consortium is coordinated by Politecnico di Milano and brings together 10 partners from 7 European Countries, merging research, technology, creative, media and cultural backgrounds. Pilot partners include: Issy-les-Moulineaux municipality, France; Watermans arts centre in London, UK; cultural consultancy CulturaLink in collaboration with regional associated partner Espai LaGranja – IVC, in Valencia, Spain; and CERTH research centre with technology partner EXUS AI Labs in Athens, Greece. You can find more information about Artcast4D at www.artcast4d.eu

AAASeed is a versatile 2D / 3D real-time engine developed and used by Mâa (Emmanuel Mâa Berriet) since the last century. The open-source project is designed to build installations of various complexity and sizes. Supported by European funding to go Open Source (ArtCast4D ), AAASeed aims to enhance the way we interact with digital environments. AAASeed software allows artists, developers, and businesses to tap into the world of 3D real-time graphics and immersive experiences. AAASeed focuses on three core applications: VJing – create captivating visuals that complement live performances; Data Product Visualizations – communicate complex data through clear, engaging visuals; Immersive Digital Installations – experience the fusion of art and technology in interactive environments.

LCDO The Conference of the Birds received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101061163. It was also funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee grant No. 10079472.